RECREATIONAL BOATING AND FISHING WEEK: OH

Article Posted: May 08, 2001

SANDUSKY, OH -- Introducing people to recreational boating and fishing is the focus of “Water Works Wonders,” a new initiative of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the non-profit Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF).As part of the initiative, community-based activities are being organized to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week (June 1-10) including a number of events scheduled along Lake Erie. Also included in the events is statewide Free Fishing Days, June 2-3. This special promotion encourages novice anglers to fish the Ohio waters of Lake Erie, Ohio River, and inland waterways and does not require a fishing license during these two days. According to the ODNR Division of Wildlife, Ohio ranks 11th nationally in the number of people who fish with 1.3 million anglers. Seventy-five percent of Ohioans who boat also fish, and 50 percent of all boating time is spent fishing. Surveys show 85 percent of all Ohioans have fished at some point in their life. And over half of Ohio's anglers fish on Lake Erie. An estimated 3.5 million Ohioans participate in recreational boating each year.Ohio is among four states participating in the RBFF’s five-year pilot project to promote recreational boating and fishing. Other states include Oklahoma, South Carolina and Washington. The campaign was launched in March with the unveiling of a national television advertising campaign. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation was established after passage in 1998 of the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act, which allocated $36 million of Sport Fish Restoration Funds to implement a five-year outreach and communication effort. More information about RBFF can be obtained online at www.rbff.orgFamily fishing events scheduled along Lake Erie to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week June 1-10 include:June 2-3: Cleveland Boating and Fishing Fest; North Coast Harbor; Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. noon - 5 p.m.; (216) 902-6020.